A Vancouver-based film and television producer is bringing a piece of Hollywood's film industry to Chatham-Kent.
Born and raised in Chatham, Garrett VanDusen is working with city members to open a film production office, FLICK, this summer.
VanDusen has been working closely with Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and Doug Robins to finalize details surrounding the grand opening.
Last week, VanDusen held cast callings for a Hallmark film project in Windsor. He says more cast calls are coming, and is asking residents of the city to keep an eye out.
Garrett told CK News that filming in Vancouver and Toronto is becoming repetitive and noticeable to the audience.
"Chatham has a Hallmark look to it and has a look that has yet to be seen on TV," he said.
Municipality and staff estimate the city will see a positive economic impact as film productions range over $ 1 million.
Ontario, also known as Hollywood North, reached record-high film and television production levels last year. Ontario Creates, an agency of the provincial government, said it supported 419 productions in 2022, contributing around $3.15 billion to the economy.
He adds Chatham is home and he wants to encourage and inspire the future of Chatham residents.
"Your dreams get cut short in the big city, and bringing that back to my home city will encourage the youth and help the economy," he said.